Music

Why do rappers love Basquiat so much?

by Chayne Japal

As explained on Clipse’s 2007 classic “Mr. Me Too,” rappers make it a habit of following each other. In the pursuit of freshness, and being the freshest, rap artists latch onto trends so they don’t get left behind in the most volatile music genre.

As of late, the American neo-expressionist painter Jean-Michel Basquiat has oddly become the go to subject of choice in contemporary hip-hop. As much as no one would have expected this, it sort of makes sense. In the 1980s, Basquiat was a bold, edgy, reckless artist that didn’t compromise his personality or his work in realms that would be intimidating to most. He went from a poor upbringing in Brooklyn, NY to being quite successful at a young age. His paintings carry underlying political and social commentaries, touching on themes of youth and the African American experience, among others.

Also, his shit is dope. The fact that he died of a drug overdose at 27 just adds to his legend. Not only is he relatable, but he’s an automatic hero to almost any rapper that finds themselves cultured enough to know who he is. His name isn’t even high-brow anymore. If you listen to rap, you have heard his name.

Here are a few familiar lines where rappers have referenced Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Jay Z & Kanye West – “That’s My Bitch”

“She say I care more about them basquions,
Basquiat / She learning a new word, it’s yacht” – Kanye West

Raekwon feat. Busta Rhymes – “MTV Cribs”

“Limited box cigars from diplomats in Cubana / Rare art of Basquiat feeding fruit to Madonna” – Busta Rhymes

Sidenote: Basquiat dated Madonna for a brief period in the mid-80s. Here’s a pre-Instagram photo of them being extremely hip together.

 

Killer Mike – “Untitled” feat. Scar

“This is John Gotti painting picture like Dali/This is Basquiat with a passion like Pac” – Killer Mike

Jay-Z – “Most Kingz” feat. Chris Martin

“Inspired by Basquiat, my chariot’s on fire” – Jay-Z

Sidenote: This song was actually inspired by this Basquiat work, below. See the quote on the bottom left corner:

Lil Wayne – “John” feat. Rick Ross

“Red on the wall, Basquiat when I paint” – Rick Ross

Swizz Beatz – Street Knock feat. A$AP Rocky

“Shit man, I’m fly / ’bout to rule the sky / Basquiats on my wall / goddamn, I’m fly” — Swizz Beatz

Sidenote: Swizz uses pictures of Basquiat and his paintings for his stupid t-shirts and shoes and stuff for Reebok.

Nas & Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley – “Land of Promise” feat. Dennis Brown

“Promised Land: I picture Porches / Basquiat portraits” – Nas